While the Rockies have been taking fliers on several, no-risk minor-league deals for reliever, they haven’t given up hope of landing a proven veteran. They are pursuing free agent Kevin Gregg, his agent confirmed today. Gregg has collected 84 saves over the past three seasons.

The 31-year-old struggled last year with the Cubs, his first in Chicago. He lost his closer’s job, finishing with 23 saves and a 4.72 ERA. A bullpen is the most volatile part of a ballclub, and predicting performance is difficult. The Rockies, though, have had some success in getting guys on the rebound, such as Matt Herges, LaTroy Hawkins and Jeremy Affeldt to name a few. Colorado has a deep bullpen already, but would like another veteran right-hander to pair with Rafael Betancourt, if possible.

Again, the price would have to be right. The Rockies aren’t going to overpay.
They also remain in the running for infielder Orlando Cabrera. He is choosing between the Reds and Rockies. Melvin Mora hasn’t been ruled out yet, either.

The Rockies’ growing list of non-roster invitees to spring training will not include reliever Derrick Turnbow. The reliever has signed with the Florida Marlins, a source close to the pitcher said this morning.

Also, the Dragon Slayer has found a new home. Josh Fogg, one of the coolest guys I have ever covered — think of Vince Vaughn in “Dodgeball,” has signed a minor-league deal with the Mets. The Mets’ rotation is pretty much up in the air, so it’s a good spot to compete for a job in my opinion.

The Rockies, meanwhile, also added several relievers in the past few days, including Tim Redding, Justin Speier and Jimmy Gobble. This could be the day Colorado finds out if Orlando Cabrera accepts their guaranteed major-league contract. Colorado had its eye on Melvin Mora, but shifted toward Cabrera yesterday. Cabrera is deciding between offers from Colorado and Cincinnati.

The Rockies don’t want just a utilityman. They want a player who has experience, who can play multiple positions. They believe that player could be Orlando Cabrera. After focusing on Melvin Mora, the Rockies have shifted toward Cabrera, who is deciding between offers from Colorado and Cincinnati, his agents confirmed.

Cabrera, who hit .284 with nine home runs and 77 RBIs in 160 games with Oakland and Minnesota, has played primarily shortstop in his career, but the Rockies believe he could handle second and third, if necessary. If Cabrera signs, he could push Clint Barmes for playing time at second base, particularly if Barmes gets off to a slow start offensively.

The Rockies’ front office met early this offseason and identified the players it would like in a bench role. The executives calculated that a handful of players could fall into their laps if they exercised patience. One of those is still sitting on the market — Melvin Mora. He likes the Rockies. Wants to play on a contender. There could be a match here.

Melvin has long been on the Rockies’ radar, but makes more sense now that the Rockies have limited some of their bench flexibility by bringing back Jason Giambi.

“Melvin likes it there. He’s definitely interested,” said agent Eric Goldschmidt, who has roughly five teams interested in his client.

Giambi is a Rockie again because of the intangibles he brings. And of course his ability to hit. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said Giambi was invaluable last year, “helping me with the mental side” of the game. But now the Rockies have three left-handed hitters to take at-bats at first base — Giambi joins Brad Hawpe and Todd Helton — and a bench guy who plays only one position.

Which is where Mora comes into play. He is a right-handed hitter who could spell Ian Stewart at third base. And Mora could also take groundballs at second if necessary. Mora is also playing outfield in Venezuela. Mora, 37, hit .260 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs last season in 125 games for the Orioles. He could make decision on his next team this week.

Rockies’ general manager Dan O’Dowd would only say today that his club is still looking for a utility guy, but that “it has to to be the right guy. We aren’t going to just do something to do something.”

Footnotes
O’Dowd admitted that he was surprised that Jose Contreras decided so quickly to take the Phillies’ one-year offer worth roughly $1.5 million. The Rockies wanted him back, but the opporunity was more narrowly defined. They wanted the veteran for a bullpen role, while the Phillies will give Contreras a chance to start. … The Rockies are still keeping an eye on Eric Gagne’s workouts. … Derrick Turnbow’s situation is evolving tonight. It looked like he was headed to Arizona, but things have changed. Colorado has made the best offer and Turnbow is considering it. … Colorado is expected to sign Justin Speier, a former Rockie, to a minor-league deal.

DENVER — Amid the wave of contract signings, the Rockies are still looking for depth at the major and minor-league levels.

As I speculated around 4 p.m. this afternoon, they Rockies have signed sign catcher Paul Lo Duca to a minor league deal. It will become official Wednesday. Lo Duca didn’t play in the majors last season, but has ties to Rockies’ manager Jim Tracy dating to their days together in Los Angeles. Lo Duca has played other positions, namely first base and outfield, which gives a shot at making the club as a bench player.

The Rockies have been trolling for more bench player, expressing interest in Robb Quinlan, Fernando Tatis and Melvin Mora.

DENVER — Without depth, contenders suffer a painful death. In their search for relievers, the Rockies added a familiar name. Right-hander Juan Rincon signed a minor-league deal last month that calls for an $800,000 salary if in the big leagues. Rincon, who received an invite to spring training, played a valuable role for the Rockies last summer before arm problems sabotaged his effectiveness. He posted a 7.52 ERA in 26 games for Colorado. He will receive $20,000 per month in the minor leagues, and can earn $175,000 in incentives for big league appearances, starting with $25,000 at 40 games and capping out at 70 games.

The Rockies would like to add one more late-inning arm and continue to talk to Jose Contreras’ agent. His price tag, thus far, has been prohibitive. Joe Beimel is also a possibility. As for rotation depth, the Rockies have called about right-hander Tim Redding.

With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report on Feb. 18, the Rockies still have some roster wrinkles to iron out. The bench remains a priority, with the club hopeful it can re-sign Jason Giambi. Giambi opened up his new club “Vanity” at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas this week. He’s a part owner in the venture, and lives in Vegas during the offseason. Sources hanging out at the club today told me that Giambi is still considering remaining with the Rockies because of his postiive experience last year.

The number of at-bats for Giambi would limited given his ability to only play first base, where Todd Helton rarely rests and Brad Hawpe is tentatively scheduled to spell him on occasion. Manager Jim Tracy has made it clear to Giambi this winter that he wants him back after his clutch pinch-hit performances. The Rockies also continue looking for a versatile reserve and have Robb Quinlan high on their wish list. Melvin Mora and Fernando Tatis are on their radar too.

With big league executives returning to work this week, the Rockies should finish their deal with catcher Miguel Olivo on a one-year deal with some type of option. After signing starter Marlon Byrd, the Cubs’ true interest in Ryan Spilborghs as a fourth outfielder should become more clear as well.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Rockies will meet with Yorvit Torrealba’s agent today in hopes of reaching a resolution on a two-year contract. The team also remains interested in bringing back Jose Contreras and Jason Giambi, though that’s a much slower-developing situation.
Torrealba’s representatives have been canvassing other teams, exhausting all avenues. It could ultimately come down to this for Torrealba: take a one-year deal with a salary approaching $4 million or accept a two-year deal for roughly $5 million with the Rockies.
“We want him back,’’ manager Jim Tracy said.
But the Rockies are prepared to move quickly after Miguel Olivo if they are unable to reach a compromise with Torrealba.
Colorado talked with Contreras’ agent Wednesday and the sides were far apart on his value. The Rockies want him as a one-inning reliever, where Contreras was seeking starter money. Tracy personally contacted Giambi yesterday, reminding him that the team would like him to return. Giambi is seeking a DH job, for now, that would offer 400 at-bats or so.
He would be a pinch-hitter with the Rockies, a more limited role.
“We just have to be patient,’’ Tracy said.

Footnotes
Eric Young Jr. will focus on playing second, third and left field in spring training, Tracy explained. The reason is simple: there won’t be many at-bats as a center fielder given the presence of Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler. … Despite reports, there is no chance of a Jason Marquis coming back. He’s looking for a multi-year deal, and has received interest from the Mets and Yankees. …The Rockies remained interested in free agent Joe Beimel. … Add Melvin Mora to the list of utility player candidates on the Rockies’ radar, a group that includes Robb Quinlan, Jamey Carroll and Fernando Tatis.

Astros sign Majewski
Looking to bolster to their bullpen after the loss of LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde, the Astros added reliever Gary Majewski on a minor league deal, The Post has learned. He will receive $650,000 in the majors, with a $100,000 guarantee. If Majewski’s not on the 25-man roster by July 31, he can request his release. He received an invite to spring training.

Rodrigo Lopez returns to Baltimore tonight with excitement and no regrets. His personality clash with pitching coach Leo Mazzone last season paved his exit out of town. Lopez and Mazzone didn’t mesh, disagreeing on philosophy. So with six projected starters after the acquisition of Jaret Wright, the Orioles moved quickly to trade Lopez to the Rockies over the winter. Read more…

Welcome to Baltimore, where the crab cakes and the humidity comes free of charge. Itâ€™s approximately 50 degrees warmer here than it was in Denver yesterday. Strangely, the players love the warm weather. As pitcher Aaron Cook said, â€œItâ€™s a lot easier to get loose.â€™â€™ Read more…

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.